Working In Clay

I've been working with a group of ladies from Katie's Acres, who share their images working in clay and doing it Christi Friesen style.  So much fun.  We've done dragons, hearts, parrots, cats and more.  Above are a few of the clay figures I've contributed to the site. 

Currently, we're working from Christi's book about "Down Under" and I'm excited to be a part of such a bunch of talented men and women, working in a common medium.

Of course, clay isn't my only passion, as my blog shows.  I've also been working on my "Song Journal" where I am sharing my favorite songs and artwork together in one place. 

Yesterday, I went to a card class, which was fun and I'm going to post the photos of them on here later.  I have to charge my camera batteries first. LOL! 

Anyway, working with clay is always relaxing as I mash and roll and shape it, then watch as it magically turns into something that may or may not resemble something. :)  And, if it doesn't, I can just squash it and start over. 

Once I've baked it up, I can't wait for it to cool so I can glaze it.  I don't know why; but I just love how it looks when it gets all shiny from the glaze.  I've tried the glaze that dries flat; but don't really care for it.  I just like shiny!

If you want to learn how do work with clay, why not stop by Katie's blog and check out her tutorials.

Faux Book

I went to my craft class and we learned to make "Faux Books".  It was fun and very enjoyable.  We made a super cute one and then I came home and made two additional books.  I just loved how easy it was and had to make one for Mom and the other for my sister for Mother's Day. 

This one we made in class: 

 

 



Then, I went home and made these two:

 These were such a lot of fun.  I want to make a few more for friends as well.  I so enjoy crafting when I learn a new thing.  Of course, I can easily get addicted to a style and then I make a bunch and then I move on to another one.  I think I may make a "Doctor Who" style one for my son.  He is such a fan.  Now, if I could just put a few cool things in it for him. :)
 

Rag Dolls

I have always loved rag dolls.  I loved Raggedy Ann when I was little and remember my cousins taking me to see the movie at the theater when I was little.  It was great.  I also had Holly Hobby's friend, Heather (another rag doll) when I was a kid.  As a matter of fact, I recently purchased a Heather doll to replace the one I once had.  :)

Anyway, I made a bunch of different rag dolls myself and love to make them in my spare time.  As one who is crafty, I work in paper, sewing, painting, clay, etc.  Anything I can do to create.  I made these:

These two gals (and the one in the background) I made in no time at all.  I also lucked onto a doll making software that allows the user to make clothes and adjust the size to the size of your doll.  It's awesome!!!  The styles are plenty and varied.  I just so enjoy the different things I can do with it. 

My first doll was one I made for my mother's birthday,.  She turned out really cute, too. 

 

This next one, I made for my niece's birthday.  I told her about the one I made for my mom and she wanted one, too, so I made her this one for her own. She loves it.  (Sorry, can't figure out why it would turn the photos)

 

 

Then, I made The Mad Hatter for my sister.  I just LOVE him.  He's a bit crazy and a bit fun and just a wonderful character to make, so I added my own twist to the famous Alice character.

I also made this little lady in black and white.  I used white fabric for her body instead of the standard muslin I had on hand.  I then put her hair in two pig tails (ala Abby Shuto) and here she is!!!!

As far as hobbies go, I do enjoy making dolls.  I've made a few teddy's as well and I'll post them soon.  These are just a few of my sewing projects.  I also have one in the making that is a inspired by my love of Doctor Who's "River Song".  She's looking really cute, too!  I even made her a pair of boots.  :)  FUN, fun, fun!

Flip Flop Album

I made this beautiful Flip Flop album using Stampin' Up papers and some other stuff I had around.  It is so simple and a real beauty.  I love it!

 

 

 

As you can see, I've added photos, embellishments and journaling.  I then gave it to my mom for her Mother's Day.  She loved it.  I included pictures of my son; but also a few of my niece and nephews as well, so she has a great collection of our Christmas together and a few snaps as well.

 

Okay, so I have NO IDEA how to turn the photos (they're right sided on my computer) and after struggling to figure it out for a while, I GIVE UP!  Anyway, you can click the photos and see an enlarged view.  Enjoy!!

 

Super Easy Tacos!!!!

I made these super easy tacos tonight and my son devoured them!  Just a pound of browned ground beef, taco seasoning, some "bowl" shaped tortilla chips and toppings!

 

Place cooked beef in tortilla bowls, top with cheese and bake 350 degrees until cheese melts.  Once you take them out, serve'em up.  We topped them with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, olives, or you can add any tasty topping you like to them.  They are quick, delicious and much neater than traditional tacos.  Tiny tacos in bite sized pieces.  

Don't forget the taco sauce!!!! Enjoy!

Life is interesting.

Well, I've been going right along with it.  Seeing an allergist over the last few weeks trying to find out what is causing my nose to run constantly.  UGH!  Went to see an ENT who referred me to this new guy. 

Gave my dog a haircut.  He went out to the mobile groomers van a Pomeranian and came back a Chihuahua.  LOL!

He's a cutie.  Ever since he got shaved, he's acted like I'm going to leave him or something; but it was a necessary evil.  He was matted up since his last bath and he was due.  I just love the little bugger.  He's my buddy. 

I have a passion for Poms.  He makes my 5th one (not counting puppies my baby girl had).  I just love these little guys.

I'm so sick of being sick.  I've been trying to do some art therapy.  I'm working on a few "art journals".  One is of songs I love.  Just putting them down on paper and decorating and journaling about the music.  Music has been so important in my life that I find it very easy to make this one.  Another one I'm working on is for "Doctor Who" the BBC television show.  I just love the Doctor and share this obsession with my son. 

I was having a lot of trouble staring at the blank page.  I wasn't getting any ideas, any notion what to do to that blank page.  I'm so lost sometimes.  I've got the talent; but it just seems that lately I'm so lost that the ideas just don't come.  Of course, I've kept written journals for years.  I can write anything, anytime, anywhere.  Even if it is only just one sentence, I'll put it down.  Any idea.  I just have to get it out and on paper.  I love the written word.

I have been reading a LOT lately, though.  I have a Kindle Fire and I've been downloading free books everyday and reading them as fast as possible.  I'm devouring them like a crack addict.  LOL!  It's funny the different genre's that I've been reading through.  Mystery, fairytale, true life, crime, etc.  I'm so loving them all.  Right now I'm reading one that is about a rock musician who has come back to God.  It's really interesting.  From God to drugs and back again. 

My bible studies are concluding for the summer soon and my son is going to Texas with my folks to see my sister and her family.  <sigh>  I'm going to miss him so much; but I know he'll have fun with them.  He's looking forward to the trip.  I'm going to try and post more blog entries, especially when I create.  I really want to create and share more. :)

Frustrations!!!!

I'm so tired.  I'm tired of the pain.  I'm tired of the constant struggles.  I'm tired of it all.  I go on.  I have to.  There is no other choice.  The days of strife are constant and I know not what to do.  I am caught in a vicious cycle of pain upon pain upon pain.  I can't take much more. 

I'm irritable.  I'm cranky.  I'm downright hostile sometimes.  I can't stand the constant pain.  I sometimes wish I wasn't disabled.  I can't change my circumstances; but I guess I could change my attitude.  It's just that lately, the pain has been worse and all consuming.  I wish it were different sometimes.

Light sensitive, sound sensitive, cold sensitive, I can't stand the sensitive's.  Sometimes I feel I'm losing my mind.  Sometimes it is too much to bear.  I don't know how to survive it.

My friend is no different in his struggle and that doesn't help.  No matter how much I push him away, he clings harder.  When I tell him the truth, he accuses me of lying.  I tell him I want him out of my life and he doesn't believe me.  I'm struggling there, too. 

My son just had surgery for his tonsils and missed 3 weeks of school.  That was stressful for us both and recovering from surgery and then making up all the school work he missed was a major ordeal.  I've had to deal with teachers who acted like he was supposed to be there even though he had surgery.  The quarter just ended and he still has a few assignments to go.  UGH!!!! 

At any rate, I'm going to, once again, try a new doctor and see where we go from here.  I'm also dealing with a new diagnosis of Diabetes and I'm not liking it.  The meds make me feel sick to my stomach.  YUK!  Oh well, in for a penny, in for a  pound. :)